If a high-speed passenger railway system connecting west-central Wisconsin and beyond seems like a good idea to you, listen up: we’re in danger of getting left out of the Department of Transportation’s planned network. The current proposal basically states, “Hey, once we get our new railroad up and running ten years from now, maybe we’ll consider thinking about you folks up in the Chippewa Valley. Maybe. We’ll see.”

It’s awesome that the state is putting some real effort towards a passenger railway, but come on. The chunk of Wisconsin between us and the St. Croix River is the fastest growing part of the state. Let’s not crap that up, shall we? The West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition is fighting to change the WisDOT’s current plan, asking that (among other things) it adopts an “Eau Claire to Hudson to St. Paul” connection between Madison and The Cities.

So! You should get in on the action by attending a WisDOT public meeting on the matter – tonight (2/12) from 5-8pm at the Sacred Heart Conference Center (900 W. Clairemont Ave.) You can check out the current railway plans at the Connections 2030 website. You can also call (608) 266-8108 for more info.